The only thing I can tell you, (since my neighbor doesn't broil much) is that the American has an auto shut off to the broiler when the oven door is open.

This is a safety feature, but sometimes prevents a broiler from getting really really hot, because most broilers also cycle with a thermostat, when the broiler/oven gets to a certain temperature, the broiler cools down.

So some people broil with their oven door open a crack so that the thermostat doesn't shut down the broiler- instead the heat goes out into your kitchen, but the broiler is still going full force!

This is how my Bluestar works anyway. If I broil with the door closed, the broiler works but it will not stay at full steam ahead. It will cycle on and off. So sometimes I will leave the door open a crack, or even open completely to watch something brown on top so I know exactly when to pull it out.

If you open the door on the American, the broiler instantly shuts down- or at least slows way down. So if you're melting cheese, you have to look through the window and watch, or use the magnet trick someone wrote about.

A meringue might be an example where you would just want to watch it lightly brown with the door open.

Just want to mention that a good timer helps with broiling. My tendency is to close the door and forget, so a timer set for 2 or 3 minutes, or 4 or 5 really really helps. Especially if you're using your upper racks.

Of course you can pan sear on the top, and finish things in the oven/broiler, for that, a good hot cast-iron pan (not porcelain coated), or a thick stainless lined copper or aluminum tri-ply works well. Use the biggest pan to hold more heat and have it HOT before you throw the fish or meat in.

Thanks, alexr--helps a lot. OH yes, I'll be needing a timer--I walk away all the time and start thinking about something else.

It's funny--I remember my parents *always* broiling with the door open, so something or other wouldn't build up? They said that it might explode if you let it stay shut and broil for a while. No matter what reason, I think I'll be getting the magnet accessory too :)

Anyone with an American want to chime in with your experience? TIA.

flyleft
my wife never leaves the door open when she broils and never complained about it. my 18" broiler stopped working so i called and had the part @ my house in 14hrs.
i choose to do my own repairs.and they have no problem with that. i can do it at my own convenience and if i need to, they walk me threw it.
john